Robertson re-signs with Australian rugby

Second-year prop Tom Robertson has inked a new deal with the Waratahs and Australian rugby until 2020.

Robertson had a whirlwind debut season in Super Rugby, balancing full-time medical studies with rugby, and earning a Wallabies debut against Argentina in Perth after just his first season of the competition.

The 23-year-old has committed to the next World Cup and beyond, giving him a chance to potentially play a critical role in the Wallabies' next generation.

Robertson has played 15 Tests since that Perth debut and said being able to continue his rugby career in his home town for the Waratahs and also vie for Wallabies selection, was a key factor in his decision to re-sign.

“New South Wales is home for me. I'm very passionate about the Waratahs and Wallaby jersey and it means so much to me to get the chance to pull them both on,” he said.

“There's plenty still to do this season with the Wallabies, but I'm also really excited about next year with the Waratahs.

"We're building some good competition for spots in the front row for both the 'Tahs and the Wallabies, which is good for the coaches but just makes me want to knuckle down and work harder to earn that spot.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said Robertson, who can switch between loosehead and tighthead, had a big future in the game.

"Tom is still so young for a Test prop and now has the chance to really nail down a spot for the Waratahs as well as for the Wallabies," he said.

"He's managed to juggle his studies successfully up to this point, and that's a real credit to Tom but also to Sydney University who have been very supportive of him.

"We as the Wallabies are all about building better people as well as better players, so to see Tom committing to that is very pleasing.

"We're building some real depth across the front row and Tom is definitely part of that, but he'll have to continue stepping up as he has done in the past season."

The Wallabies take on the Barbarians on Saturday October 28, kicking off at 3pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Network Ten and Win.

The Rugby Australia Awards will be announced on Thursday night, with every moment LIVE STREAMED by RUGBY.com.au.